Bromley Lloyd Armstrong
A Black trade unionist, community organizer and activist, Bromley Lloyd Armstrong was a pivotal figure in the early anti-discrimination campaigns in Ontario that led to Canada’s first anti-discrimination laws. As a self-described “blood and guts” ally of the working poor, he demonstrated a lifelong commitment to the trade union movement and the battle against disadvantage and discrimination. For more than six decades, Armstrong worked for human rights, helping to generate civic and government support for racial equality and advocating for human rights reforms in public policy. The Bromley Lloyd Armstrong Awards were established in 2005 to celebrate his legacy and recognize those who have taken up the mantle within our movement.
Bromley L. Armstrong Awards Gala
Since 2005, the Bromley Lloyd Armstrong Awards Gala has been taking place to celebrate the work being done in human rights, equity and inclusion. In 2024, the Bromley L. Armstrong Award recognized the work being done for Indigenous rights. On June 21, 2024, with more than 400 people in attendance, 12 recipients received the award and have been added to the prestigious alumni.
2023 Bromley L. Armstrong Awards Gala
Bromley Lloyd Armstrong Award and Special Recognition Recipients
The following individuals and unions have been recognized for their tireless work in the areas of equity, inclusion, and human rights. In 2021, the addition of presenting an award to a union was added.
BROMLEY L. ARMSTRONG AWARD RECIPIENTS
For Human Rights, Equity and Inclusion (Individual and Union)
2005 June Veecock
2006 Clarence Forde
2007 Nicole Ma
2008 Hassan Yussuff
2009 Marie Clarke Walker
2010 Pura Velasco
2011 Janice Gairey
2012 Jojo Geronimo
2013 Fred Upshaw
2014 Herman Stewart
2015 Beverley Johnson
2016 David Onyalo
2016 Winnie Ng
2017 Helen Liu
2017 Tyler Downey
2018 Nigel Barriffe
2019 Mark Brown
2021 Chris Campbell
2021 Liyu Guo
2021 Ivan Dawns
2021 SEIU Healthcare (Union)
2022 Vanessa Stoby
2022 Carol Wall
2022 Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation - District 16 (Union)
2023 Joseanne Job
2023 Nicholas Marcus Thompson
2023 Abdi Hagi Yusuf
2023 Toronto Education Workers (CUPE Local 4400) (Union)
2023 Society of United Professionals (IFPTE 160) (Union)
2024 Oyebode Ibidapo-Obe
2024 Deborah Karam
2024 Attasha Jordan
2024 Joy Davis
2024 Unite Here! Local 75 (Union)
For Indigenous Rights, Human Rights, Equity and Inclusion (Individual and Union/Collective)
2024 Audrey Huntley
2024 Brent Pelletier
2024 Crystal Sinclair
2024 Melissa Somer
2024 Society of United Professionals (IFPTE 160) (Union)
2024 OPSEU Indigenous Circle (Union)
SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS
Barry Stevens, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
Pat May Chandler, Canadian Union of Public Employees
2021 John Cartwright, Toronto & York Region Labour Council
2021 Megan Whitfield, Canadian Union of Postal Workers
2021 Andria Babbington, Toronto & York Region Labour Council
2022 Carolyn Egan, United Steelworkers 8300
2024 Nuredin Bulle, Unite Here! Local 75
Learn more about Bromley Lloyd Armstrong
On Tuesday April 27, 1954 the Toronto-based Negro Citizenship Association (NCA) made history when it went to Ottawa to demand changes in the discriminatory policies of the Canadian Immigration Act. Led by Donald Moore, the delegation received support from many community groups, including the Canadian Labour Congress and The Toronto and Lakeshore Labour Council - precursor of the Toronto and York Region Labour Council. In “Welcome to Canada”, long time union activist and co-founder of the NCA, Bromley Armstrong, sheds light on the circumstances around this historic moment.
Breaking Barriers, Linking Struggles
Let's learn from those in our movement who spent a lifetime tackling systemic racism.
The Labour Council salutes the leaders who made a difference inside and outside the Labour Movement in Canada. Let's also remember our Historical Alliance with the Canadian Civil Rights Movement and strengthen our solidarity.
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